How do you establish shared accountability for IT cost optimization with business leaders to avoid being the sole owner of spending cuts?

Our digital area charges back costs to each of our 40 global sites, with annual forecasts and required cost savings. While we strive for transparency, ultimate responsibility for cost reductions remains with IT. Gaining user buy-in is essential when reducing contracts or functionalities to avoid operational issues.

I chair a committee of executives overseeing our digital enablement and data strategies. We use a prioritization framework to collectively evaluate initiatives based on risk mitigation, strategic alignment, and business impact. Business cases, including anticipated ROI, are required for all major initiatives, fostering shared understanding and accountability.